Wander Eleven Eighty, A Whimsical New Wedding Venue On The South Coast
A big day without the big fuss… or price tag
Eleven Eighty, Coolangatta
An easy amble down the Princes Highway from the Shire will see you past green pastures dotted with dairy cattle to your right, and glimpses of the glittering coastline to your left. Eventually, you’ll reach Coolangatta, a historic nook between Berry and Shoalhaven Heads home to wineries and situated at the mouth of the Shoalhaven River and Seven Mile Beach. It’s also the location of the South Coast’s newest wedding and events venue, Eleven Eighty.
While this fresh-to-the-scene destination has been open a mere 18 months, its history stretches back far beyond, giving it a richness scarcely found in its newly established counterparts. The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the old School Hall built in 1883, erected as part of the Coolangatta School (established in 1861) and beautifully restored at the hands of new-owners Richard and Clare.
“Couples turn up here and say, ‘wow’, this is completely different. It's like a breath of fresh air.” says Clare.
Comprising the School Hall, a School Master’s House, barn, courtyard, refurbished train carriage, cottage, gardens and lawns and even a purpose-built Argentine grill, it’s a wonderland for both couples and their photographers alike.
“While some South Coast venues might offer a stunning view, once you've got the couple and the backdrop, there's kind of no other options for photos - it ends up being a bit of a ‘rinse and repeat’. Different poses, same backdrop,” says Clare.
“Eleven Eighty isn’t like that. It creates this beautiful gallery of completely different looks.”
Anyone who has planned a wedding will be able to tell you that the cost of the venue can be a killer. But not Eleven Eighty. With packages starting at $7,750 (+GST) for midweek micro weddings, including accommodation, access to a prop library, tables, chairs, glassware, crockery, and a PA system,planning your big day just got a little less…big.
“It's DIY, but it's not,” explains Clare. “You pick who runs the bar, you select your own DJ - or it could just be a Spotify playlist - but everything else is there on site and provided.”
“People use all of the different spaces at different times during the day. A typical wedding would be a ceremony in front of the willow trees, and a garden party to follow for a couple of hours before the reception, often hosted in the marquee.”
Choose your own adventure at Eleven Eighty: from food trucks and cocktail hours to sit-down meals, host anything from an intimate gathering of 40 to a celebration with up to 100 guests. Brides and grooms-to-be can also opt for a day hire or make it a full weekend escape, complete with accommodation for up to 15 people.
“Eleven Eighty is very much for the relaxed bride and groom. It’s about an authentic collaboration and really spending quality time,” says Clare.
Wander the grounds and experience the venue firsthand at Eleven Eighty's next open day on March 9th, 2025. You can also explore their packages in more detail, get inspired by real-life weddings, and connect with their team via eleveneighty.com.au.